What you need to know about the new HPV self-collection screening

In May 2024, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved a new human papillomavirus (HPV) screening method: HPV self-collection in a health care setting, such as an urgent care clinic, primary care doctor’s office, lab or pharmacy.

This new screening method gives patients the option to collect their own samples for the HPV test to screen for cervical cancer. While still done at a health care provider’s office, HPV-self collection allows you to collect your own vaginal sample in a private room, similar to how you would provide a urine sample.

Previously, only a health care provider could collect samples for HPV testing. Testing using self-collected samples is already used in several countries including Australia, Denmark, the Netherlands and Sweden.

Why is this important?

HPV causes the majority of at least six types of cancer, including more than 90% of cervical cancers. Anyone with a cervix should begin routine cervical cancer screening in their 20s with a Pap test every three years. Those in their 30s can get a Pap test every three years, an HPV test alone every 5 years, or a Pap test combined with an HPV test (co-testing) every five years. By increasing access to HPV testing, we can prevent more cancers and save lives.

Black, Hispanic and American Indian women in the U.S. have higher cervical cancer rates than other racial groups, with Black women having the highest death rate. Since HPV self-collection can be done at urgent care clinics, doctors’ offices, labs and pharmacies, it may eliminate some barriers for these groups, who often live in medically underserved areas, to getting this vital screening.

There may also be benefit to those avoiding screening due to conflicts with cultural beliefs or potential discomfort or embarrassment during the procedure, as they could now collect their own sample for testing.

Great. So can I collect my own sample for HPV testing now?

While this testing method is FDA approved, the availability may vary by provider. If you are facing barriers to HPV testing, including discomfort with a health care provider performing the test, you should talk to your provider about your options and ask if self-collection is an option available for you.

After HPV self-collection is widely available, will I still need to visit the gynecologist? 

Yes. This screening option doesn’t replace the need for your annual primary care and/or gynecologist visits, where other important health care conversations and checks take place. This can include breast cancer risk assessment and risk reduction counseling and a clinical breast exam, as well as discussions about your personal and family health history. If you received a positive HPV test result from self-collection, you would still need to receive follow-up care.

What does HPV self-collection mean for the future?

HPV self-collection in a health care setting could be the first step to making at-home testing available, which would further increase access to screening. In the Prevent Cancer Foundation’s Früherkennungsumfrage 2024, 26% of women who were behind on their routine cervical cancer screening said they would prioritize their screening if an at-home test option were available.

HPV self-collection shows major progress toward new and innovative screening options, like at-home testing, that would enable us to prevent more cervical cancers or detect them in early, more treatable stages.

When should I get screened for cervical cancer? 

First, make sure you are vaccinated against HPV to protect yourself from the virus and reduce your risk of cancer. The HPV vaccine is recommended for all young people beginning at age nine and up to age 26. (The HPV vaccine is also FDA-approved for ages 27-45. Talk to your health care provider to see if it makes sense for you.)

In addition to getting tested for HPV, you can get a Pap test to screen for cervical cancer. With routine screening, you can find precancerous cells (which can be removed before they become cancer), or you can detect cancer early for better outcomes.

Wenn bei Ihnen ein durchschnittliches Risiko besteht, befolgen Sie diese Screening-Richtlinien:

• Alter 21–29: Machen Sie alle 3 Jahre einen Pap-Test.
• Alter 30–65: Sie haben eine dieser Optionen:
• Alle 3 Jahre nur ein Pap-Test.
• A high-risk HPV test alone every 5 years
• A high-risk HPV test with a Pap test (co-testing) every 5 years. After age 65, talk with your health care provider about whether you still need to be screened.

Wenn bei Ihnen aufgrund eines geschwächten Immunsystems (z. B. aufgrund einer HIV-Infektion, einer Organ- oder Stammzellentransplantation oder einer langfristigen Einnahme von Steroiden), einer Exposition gegenüber DES im Mutterleib oder einer früheren Erkrankung an Gebärmutterhalskrebs oder bestimmten präkanzerösen Zuständen ein erhöhtes Risiko für Gebärmutterhalskrebs besteht, müssen Sie sich möglicherweise häufiger untersuchen lassen. Befolgen Sie die Empfehlungen Ihres Arztes.

MEHR LESEN | I’m a physician. Here are my patients’ most-asked questions about the HPV vaccine.